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Philosophy

Master of Arts (MA)

Course-based program

Program overview

The course-based MA program is ideal for students seeking a broad background in philosophy, and is especially suited for those without an undergraduate degree in philosophy, or those who seek part-time study.

Students will become part of a vibrant intellectual community in one of Canada's preeminent philosophy programs. Activities coordinated by the philosophy department include graduate seminars, regular research group meetings and an active series of visiting speakers. All full-time students get office space in the department with access to computer facilities. The department's open layout, with offices around a central lounge area, invites the social and intellectual exchange that is fundamental to an education in philosophy.

Completing this program

  • Core Courses: Two courses in the history of philosophy, two courses in 20th century/contemporary philosophy and the Graduate Proseminar.

  • Remedial Courses: If required, students will remedy background deficiencies taking senior undergraduate course work.

  • Final Master's Examination: Students will complete both oral and written final exams.

  • Additional Courses: Topics may include philosophy of science, history of philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, philosophy of language, epistemology, logic and more.

  • Course Load: Students must complete at least one course in each annual registration period.

Outcomes

Academia, law, public policy, research analysis, consulting, publishing.

A course-based master’s degree in philosophy is usually considered a final degree.

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Three years full-time; six years maximum

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.


Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.


  1. Marc Ereshefsky

    Marc Ereshefsky

    Accepting Inquiries
  2. Ish Haji

    Ish Haji

    Accepting Inquiries
  3. Nicole Wyatt

    Nicole Wyatt

    Accepting Inquiries
    Philosophy of Logic, Speech Act Theory
  4. Richard Zach

    Richard Zach

    Accepting Inquiries

Admission Requirements


GPA

A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A four-year undergraduate degree with honours or a major in philosophy. Applicants with a degree in a related academic field will be considered.

Work samples

A sample of written work, such as a recent essay, written in English. 

The sample should be 10-15 pages including bibliography, prepared for anonymous review.

Documents

None

Reference letters

Three

Test scores

None


English language proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

Applications for admission are only accepted for program start in the Fall term. The application deadline is January 6.

Canadians and permanent residents are strongly urged to apply for SSHRC scholarships in the Fall prior to application.

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Department of Philosophy

Social Sciences Building, Room 1256
618 Campus Place NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

 

Faculty of Arts

University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Arts website

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